In Turkey, meanwhile, organisers said they took to the streets on Sunday after they had been refused permission to march this year because of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The contrast underscores the gulf of difference in how gay rights are viewed in Western liberal democracies, like the US and Britain, and the more tradition-minded, authoritarian-leaning governments prevalent in the Muslim world.

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A participant in the Gay Pride parade in Istanbul reacts after Turkish police use a water canon to disperse the crowd. Credit:Emrah Gurel

In Turkey on Sunday, police sprayed jets of water from trucks at crowds of hundreds who had gathered - many in colourful clothing and waving rainbow flags - near the central Taksim Square neighbourhood, one of Istanbul's busiest shopping and tourist areas.

As the crowds fell back, men who appeared to be plain clothes police officers detained several demonstrators, according to footage from a Reuters cameraman at the scene.

While homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, unlike many other Muslim countries, homophobia remains widespread. Critics say President Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling AK Party he founded have shown little interest in expanding rights for minorities, gays and women, and are intolerant of dissent.

Organisers said on Twitter they had been denied permission to hold the parade because it coincided with Ramadan this year. The parade has been held in the past and has been described as the biggest gay pride event in the Muslim world.

Turkish police use a water canon to disperse participants at Istanbul's Gay Pride parade. Credit:Emrah Gurel

"These people do not hurl stones and they never would. They do not throw petrol bombs. They just ask for a legal recognition," said one supporter, who gave his name as Bulent.

"This summarises what has been happening in Turkey. Any request for rights is met like this."

People shout slogans as they celebrate outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC after its historic decision on gay marriage. Credit:AFP

The police action drew swift international condemnation on Twitter, including from singer and rights activist Lady Gaga who called on authorities to "set an example for people to celebrate both Ramadan and pride in peace, instead of dividing with violence".

Sunday's crackdown comes just a month after police used tear gas and water cannon on May Day demonstrators, and recalls the 2013 Gezi Park protests that turned into an international embarrassment for Erdogan.